Farm to become learning centre

A planning application to convert Pigeons Farm in Thorney has been approved by Peterborough City Council, paving the way for the redevelopment.

The popular farm closed to the public last October when the owners decided to call it a day. At the time it was receiving 55,000 visitors a year.

The application was put in by the Kisimul Group which describes itself as a “long-established provider of quality education and care services to children and young adults with complex learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, autism and global developmental delay.”

According to its planning application, the Kisimul Group wants to introduce a “post-19 educational centre.”

It adds that the centre will “optimise and make use of the existing buildings and site facilities to provide specialist educational facilities, including classrooms and workshops.

“The site facilities also lend themselves to animal and horticultural based programmes including gardening and animal husbandry.”

The number of learners at the site will typically be less than 20 along with an equivalent number of teachers and support staff.

In addition to the new centre, planning approval has also been given for three holiday lodges (mobile homes) on the existing camping and caravan site.

It is intended that the mobile homes will provide short-term holiday accommodation for the parents and families of Kisimul Group residents.

The application adds: “Residential placements at schools and homes are available for 38-52 weeks per year.

“Emphasis is placed upon providing a stimulating and rich environment, including such activities as horse riding, cinema and ten-pin bowling as well as outings to zoos, theme parks and theatres.”

The Kisimul Group said it did not wish to comment when contacted by the Peterborough Telegraph.